Category: MARCHES
Composer: Dean Goffin
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Comments by Lieut-Colonel Charles Skinner
Introduction — The dual nature of the structure here will be inmediately apparent: fanfare-like figures for the upper instruments, and a stately tread for the lower. Clean, unified semiquavers from the ‘trumpeters’ are essential. The quaver run for basses that links the two sequential phrases must not become a scramble; pointing the first note of each group of three will help to avoid this.
Section A — A lilting melody by the comets is doubled in legato style by baritones and euphonium. Note the sudden drop to piano following a strong aft ack upon the fir st note of the section; similarly in the ninth bar where the forte is the peak of a three-bar crescendo, and again in the first time bracket. The music breathes an air of freedom in keeping with the title; therefore avoid heavy, ponderous treatment.
Section B — This is a particularly interesting section, effective use being made of canonic treatment, each entry of which must be áiven due emphasis, but with due regard to balance. Tonality has switched to Al although the key signature has not been changed; this could be pointed out to the
players to ensure they are ‘thinking in the right key’. The drop to piano in the alternate phrases should be interpreted literally; it is almost impossible to overdo this effect. And remember, dynamics are for observation on the march as well as in musical festivals. A quaver run for basses, similar to that in
the introduction, leads the ear to the chord of Bb minor 7th, upon which the music pivots to the original key of Eb.
Section C — This is a reprise of section A, except for a little extra exuberance on the part of the soprano, baritones and euphonium, whose sense
of freedom is evidently irrepressible! The final cadence is delayed for two bars over a crescendo, after which the figure used in the first time bracket of section A is adapted to provide a very convincing finish to the first part of the march.
Section D — A brief statement similar to the introduction heralds the subdominant key of Ab. An old favourite, well suited to the treatment, appears as the trio theme. Avoid the all-too-prevalent tendency to cut short the crotchets in a 6/8 march; such a style, in this instance particularly, would make the music sound trifling instead of buoyant. Blend the comet and horn tone in the melody with, if anything, more horn tone than cornet.
Section E — Four distinct patterns will be observed here: that of the melody, followed by all comets and upper horns; a rhythmic pattern by 2nd. horn, 2nd. baritone and tenor trombones; a legato-style countermelody by Eb. horn, 1st. baritone and euphonium; and the usual tread by the basses. Volume increases by a degree upon the repeat. Having in mind, no doubt, the many occasions when no return to the beginning is made, the composer has rounded off the trio section to a strong finish.
If you enjoyed listening to this extact, you can buy the complete CD recording on our website :
WORLD CLASS MARCHES of the Salvation Army Volume 1
The Black Dyke Band conducted by Dr.Nicholas Childs.
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